Just Starting Out

What is the minimum age to participate in Adult classes?

The minimum age is 14.

In order to accommodate students who are well versed in an athletic environment,such as gymnastics, sports, martial arts, dance, etc. we have set the minimum age for the adult classes to 14. We encourage parents and guardians with children around this age to decide which class, youth or adult, their child would most likely succeed in. Often times, students are more comfortable and perform better in our youth classes as they offer a more relaxed approach to instruction. While final decisions are always left up to the instruction and management team at WCS, we enjoy the benefit of open communication with parents and guardians in choosing the best environment for their student’s education.

What is the minimum age to participate in Youth classes?

The minimum age is 6 years old.

We have set the age limit of 6 to accommodate students who have been training in an athletic skill for a long while and have demonstrated that they can safely handle themselves in an athletic capacity. While the minimum age is 6, we do encourage parents to make sure students are able to safely handle movements, instruction, and inversions. It is for this reason that we suggest students even be in their older 6’s and 7’s to ensure they are able to fully comprehend the safety instructions. It is for this reason that we cannot accept students who are under that age limit under any circumstance, and strive to work with parents at evaluating students who are at the threshold level to ensure they are ready to move into our programs. Our highest priority always remains the safety and security of our students.

It’s my first class, what should I do?

Try to be at the school a few minutes before your scheduled class time. This is a great time to stretch before the warm-up and meet other students. There are cubbies just inside the gym for all your things and we have two restrooms with changing rooms and showers. Towels are provided for your use. Please just toss them into the laundry hamper in the changing room when you are finished with them. The instructors are there to help you and ensure you fit right in. It’s a very relaxed stress free environment, but we take the Rules very seriously to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.

What do I wear?

Coverage is key! Long tights and a shirt that allows armpits to be covered. No belts or dangling jewelry. Tight sportswear is best. Most all activities including Aerials and Acro are done in bare feet or socks. We always ask that you remove all jewelry before class. So leave the hoop earrings at home!

Silks, Lyra, and Trapeze: As you’ll be spending a lot of time upside down, we recommend wearing comfortable but fitted clothing.
Avoid scrapes to the skin with leggings or running tights (these should cover the back of your knees and ideally be full length for Silks). You can wear joggers too or better yet, layer up with both. Shorts over leggings are a good option too (cotton leggings are fine but they tend to be pretty see-though if you get what we are saying…) Pair these with a top (or leotard) that wont ride up when going upside down and some long sleeves (you can bring a hoodie if your preference is for a short sleeved tee).

Acro: Comfortable, fitted clothing is best. Many bases prefer leggings or shorts for grip on the upper thighs. Flyers should have fitted clothing that will not catch or snag when moving.

Do I need to sign a waiver before participating?

Yes, you will need to sign a waiver for yourself, and/or your child if they are going to be participating in any way. The rule of thumb is when you walk through the doors, you need a signed waiver on file. Waivers are filled out when you register for an account. For children, the parents must create an account IN THEIR CHILD’S NAME and complete the waiver in the process of creating an account to allow the student to book classes, or come to any events.

Do I have to be fit?

We’ll let you in on a secret here… circus training is a fantastic way to GET FIT! There are no pre-requisites to joining any of our beginners classes and you don’t need to do a pull up to get on a trapeze. Of course having a bit of fitness and flexibility helps, but that’s what you come to classes to develop!

Am I too old?

No! We have students aged between 6 and 75 years old so as long as you are ready to give our classes your best shot then we’ll welcome you with open arms. At Windsor Circus School, our philosophy is ‘Circus Training for Everyone’. So why not come along and see for yourself that you’ll be training in a supportive environment.

General Class

I missed a class, how do I make it up?

Each Semester you are given 2 Make-Up session at Open Gyms. Open Gym runs every Sunday from 1pm-3pm. If you need to arrange a makeup session, just let your instructor know during the next class. They will work with you to determine the best Sunday to come in to make the class up. You can sign up for Make-Ups HERE. Just click Add to Cart on the session you would like, login, and choose Make-Up Session for a free Open Gym to make up the missed class.

What do the Class levels mean? (Beginner, Intermediate, etc.)

Beginner

You have a little to no knowledge of the skill. Alternatively, you are coming in with a common knowledge or an understanding of basic techniques and concepts
-Focus on learning

Novice

You have the level of experience gained in a classroom and/or experimental scenarios through self-training. You are expected to need help when performing these skills.
-Focus on developing through classroom experience;
-You understand and can discuss terminology, concepts, principles, and issues related to this competency
-you utilize the full range of reference and resource materials available to you through the instructors in this competency.

Intermediate

You are able to successfully complete tasks in this competency as requested. Help from an expert may be required from time to time, but you can usually perform all skill independently.
-Focus is on applying and enhancing knowledge or skill;
-You have applied this competency to situations occasionally while needing minimal guidance to perform successfully
-You understand and can discuss the application and implications of changes to processes, policies, and procedures in this area.

Advanced

You can perform the actions associated with this skill without assistance. You are certainly recognized within your immediate group as “a person to ask” when difficult questions arise regarding this skill.
-Focus is on broad instructional/procedural issues
-You have consistently provided practical/relevant ideas and perspectives on process or practice improvements which may easily be implemented
-You are capable of coaching others in the application of this competency by translating complex nuances relating to this competency into easy to understand terms;
-You participate in senior level discussions regarding this skill
-You assist in the development of reference and resource materials in this skill.

What is a Drop-In

A Drop-In is a trial class used to determine if you want to commit to a full Class. They are great for testing the waters before committing to a full 8-week semester. By default, students may purchase a Drop-In when enrolling for a class before the class has started by clicking Add to Cart and beginning to register just like they would if they were purchasing the full class.

Drop-In Policy

A Drop-In may be used on any beginner level course for the first three (3) weeks of classes. After that point, you will need instructor approval to use a Drop-In on a beginner class. If the Semester is more than three (3) weeks into the session, a Drop-In may not be used for that Semester. However, it may be used in the first three (3) weeks of the next semester, or any semester following. Drop-In purchases are non-refundable; please ensure we are in the first three (3) weeks of the Semester if you intend to use the Drop-In during the current Semester. Drop-Ins may not be used on Intermediate and Advanced level courses without prior instructor approval.

A class already started, can I still register for it? (Class Continuations)

Yes! We take enrollments for the first 3 weeks and prorate the cost for the classes you missed. If we’re within the first 3 weeks of any course, please email [email protected] to get a Class Continuation link.

Unfortunately, if we’re past the 3rd week, we cannot accept any registrations for that class. This is due to the safety and fundamental instruction we provide for the first few weeks of every class. Knowing the fundamentals rules keeps our students safe as they progress through their class.

Class Continuation Policy

Students may be enrolled in a class during the first three (3) classes of a Semester. Alternatively, they may be enrolled in a class on the fourth (4th) class provided they Dropped-In to the third class the week prior. Students enrolling after the first day of class are considered a Class Continuation. Class Continuations are subject to Class availability. Class Continuations are prorated for the missed class days at a rate equal to Class cost divided by the total number of days in the Class. Class Continuations must be arranged with an instructor or management prior to the enrollment of the student. Class Continuation purchases are non-refundable. If a non-arranged Class Continuation was purchased, it may be used in the Semesters following. Should the student want to use a purchased Class Continuation the following semester, individual days may be purchased at the current retail rate to turn the Class Continuation into a full enrollment for a Class at management approval.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at 511 Pelissier St. in Downtown Windsor. This is the historic Chelsea Building and we are located inside in the gym. We have a private entrance off Pelisser and the alley behind Pelisser that is gated and has out sign on it. You can enter there to come directly into the gym. Please refrain from coming in through the main building entrance.

How long do classes run?

Classes run for 8 weeks typically. Normal classes will last 90 minutes and happen each week on a specific day. That day will be shown when you checkout. Classes always run on the same day of the week at the same time of day. If there is a holiday or another reason we must skip a class, arrangements will be made with the instructor prior to that day.

Classes will always start at the beginning of the month on the first day of the week the class runs on. So if classes start on Thursdays, classes would run the first Thursday of the month, continuing for 8 weeks and would likely stop before the last week of the second month, depending on how the days fall on the calendar. Counting each Thursday, in this example

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, 225lbs if taking an aerial class.

While our classes that use ground movements only do not have a weight limit, the aerial apparatus do have a weight limit of 225lbs. This is to account for the dynamic weight that an accelerating body in motion generates–such as in a few of our aerial drops and maneuvers. We take the maximum force that can be generated by dropping from the top of our apparatus and adding a safety factor of 10 to arrive at this number.

Can I just turn up for a class or do I have to book?

Booking online in advance of your class is the only way to secure your place in that class. We do accept drop-ins to all of our classes, but if you don’t book online then you run the risk of the class being full or cancelled because it’s empty.

Because of the high demand for our classes, we unfortunately can’t accept reservations without payment.

The Windsor Circus School (WCS) is an independently operated aerial arts, acrobatics and circus program operating in Downtown Windsor, ON. The school offers students of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrill of circus through professional, instructor-directed classes.